ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Sabic Innovative Plastics introduced nine antimicrobial compounds featuring silver technology at the Medical Design & Manufacturing West trade show, held Feb. 12-14 in Anaheim.

"We are building out the portfolio based on expertise in compounding [and] value-based additives" without use of concentrate masterbatches, said David Wildgoose, general manager in North America for Sabic's engineering resins operation in Pittsfield, Mass.

The compounds target the rising incidence of health-care-associated infections.

"A look at the data suggests infections in hospitals are on the rise" and have become an issue in the industry, Wildgoose said.

The nine antimicrobial grades cross four Sabic product families: Lexan high-impact EXL copolymer, Lexan transparent polycarbonate, Xenoy PC/polybutylene terephthalate and polypropylene with or without fiberglass reinforcement.

The range opens the way for Sabic to pursue applications such as hospital high-touch surfaces, portable diagnostic equipment, bedrails and catheters.

Separately, Sabic said it is commercializing Ultem HU1004 polyetherimide resin blend for health-care uses and Ultem DH1004 resin for non-health-care applications.

HU1004 is suitable for multiple cycles of hydrogen peroxide-based sterilization.

Sabic IP is a business of Saudi Basic Industries Corp. of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.